College Football Recruiting 2013: Tracking the Uncommitted Top Stars

With National Signing Day five months away, there’s no telling what kind of surprise defections and uncharacteristic commitments are in store for fans.  However, one thing is certain: nothing is for sure in the world of recruiting.

In years past, we have seen commits switch teams with the stroke of a pen, California kids selecting schools across the country, parents interjecting, prospects with puppies, babies, a duffel bag filled with a trash bag containing a box filled with another bag containing a New Era “flat bill” that barely resembles the college choice (I’m talking to you, Dre Kirkpatrick), and even Snoop Dogg. 

There’s really no telling what signing day—or the days leading up—will bring, but we do know some of the top talent in the country is still uncommitted. 

Here are a few prospects to keep an eye on:

Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Line, Lake City, FL

The 6’6” 295 pound lineman out of Lake City ranks in the top 10 of both the Rivals100 (nine) and ESPN150 (three), boasting offers from virtually every school in the country. 

Tunsil recently accepted his invitation to the U.S. Army All-American game—a game in which many prospects choose to make their commitment—but don’t expect Tunsil to show his hand until National Signing Day.

In a recent interview with FlaVarsity.com’s Blake Alderman, Tunsil stated Georgia and Alabama are “still on top” for his services, with “Florida State number three and Florida [also] right there in the mix.”

Montravius Adams, Defensive Tackle, Vienna, GA

After recording 10 sacks and 45 tackles for loss during his junior season, Adams became one of the most coveted defensive recruits in the nation.  At 6’3” 290 pounds, Adams appears ready for the next level already—all that’s left to do is sign. 

Like Tunsil, Adams has offers from all over the country, but unlike his fellow 5-star recruit, Adams has played his leaders close to the vest.  While he seemed to favor Auburn and Clemson early, the behemoth lineman was clear in a recent interview with ESPN’s Kipp Adams that his recruitment is open:

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“People say that Auburn and Clemson are my leaders, but that is not really accurate...They might have the advantage of me knowing about them more, but if I visit another school and I like it there, that could be the place for me.” 

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After visiting Gainesville for the Gators’ upset of LSU, look for Florida to make a strong push for his services along with Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia and Tennessee.

Ricky Seals-Jones, Athlete, Sealy, TX

It is rare to see a highly touted Texas athlete leave the state—especially with the national emergence of Baylor and Texas Christian University—but it’s even more rare to see Texas stop recruiting an in-state consensus top-25 player in the nation who was previously committed to the Longhorns (No. 24 Rivals100, No. 10 ESPN150). 

As mentioned before, however, there are no sure things in recruiting, and Seals-Jones’s recruitment is living proof.

That being said, according the Mike Farrell of Rivals.com, the 6’5” 220 pound athlete has narrowed his list to LSU and Texas A&M.  Although it’s hard to doubt Les Miles and the Bayou Bengals, it’s harder to doubt the draw of staying in state—especially after being shunned by the Longhorns. 

Matthew Thomas, Outside Linebacker, Miami, FL

Thomas—another consensus top-15 ranked Florida prospect—has flown under the radar in terms of media coverage, but his skills speak for themselves.  

At 6’3” 205 pounds, Thomas shows strength, speed and a nose for the ball on film, whether playing inside, outside or with his hand on the ground.

While it’s rare to see a South Florida stud spurn Miami, Thomas was doing just that until recent weeks.  According to Booker T. Washington High School coach Tim Harris via a September interview with Matt Shodell of CaneSport.com, Thomas wants “to go to a program on the upswing.”  

With sanctions looming, that doesn’t appear to be Miami, but you simply never know with a South Florida prospect.  Expect Thomas to visit Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Southern Cal while keeping Miami in the back of his mind, before making his final decision on Signing Day.

Others to follow: 

Greg Bryant, Running Back, Delray Beach, FL (No. 14 Rivals100, No. 30 ESPN150)

Committed to Notre Dame

Leon McQuay III, Defensive Back, Seffner, FL (No. 18 Rivals100, No. 40 ESPN150)

Signed LOI to Southern Cal

Derrick Green, Running Back, Richmond, VA (No. 13 Rivals100, No. 53 ESPN150)

College Choices: Tennessee, Auburn, Michigan

Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Crete, IL (No. 23 Rivals100, No. 38 ESPN150)

Committed to Ole Miss

Mackensie Alexander, Defensive Back, Immokalee, FL (No. 39 Rivals100, No. 6 ESPN150)

College Choices: Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Miami, USF

***Note on Alexander***

 There has been speculation that Mackensie won't commit to any school that doesn't have a scholarship for his twin brother, Mackenro.  Noble, if true.